War tore her life apart, but nothing could shake her determination to protect her children. This is the story of Fathiya, a Syrian refugee who endured devastating hardships—from escaping conflict to sacrificing her own health—so her son could walk again.
A Son’s Struggle Amidst the Ruins of War
In 2013, Mohammed, then 14, lay asleep when a missile struck their home in Daraa, Syria, reducing it to rubble. Trapped beneath debris, he was rushed to the hospital with severe shrapnel wounds. His right leg was shattered, and doctors said amputation was the only option.
Fathiya refused to accept this fate. Determined to save her son's leg, she crossed into Ramtha, Jordan, with her savings—$200,000 USD—hoping for treatment. But after months, the money was gone, and doctors still recommended amputation.
Yet Mohammed clung to hope, determined that one day he would walk again.
A Mother’s Own Battle with Cancer
As she fought for her son’s recovery, Fathiya faced her own battle—bone cancer. She struggled between continuing her chemotherapy and ensuring her children’s survival. With no money left, she halted her own treatment so her son could receive care. Even at her weakest, she sought every possible way to fund his surgeries—even offering to sell her kidney—but doctors refused.
In 2015, she met Tzu Chi volunteers in Jordan during a relief visit. Hesitant and too proud to ask for financial aid, she instead pleaded for medication to treat her cancer. Touched by her sincerity, volunteers promised to help.
However, due to miscommunication, Fathiya mistakenly believed the organization had abandoned her. Disheartened, she distanced herself from them, harboring frustration for years.
A Desperate Plea – A Miracle Answered
In 2017, exhausted and without options, she reached out to a Tzu Chi volunteer with one desperate question: “Can you help my son with surgery? Yes or no?”
Her hopes were shattered when no immediate answer came. But soon after, volunteers visited her in person, reassuring her that they had never abandoned her. They worked swiftly to connect her with Dr. Munther, a Syrian orthopedic surgeon, and arranged treatment.
After 32 surgeries, Mohammed’s leg still struggled to heal. But on September 12, 2017, his final operation was a success—his leg was saved.
A Daughter’s Perilous Escape
War had already taken Fathiya’s youngest son, Mahmoud, who was arrested and executed at just 11 years old. His father was left broken, unable to function, and her daughter, Hiba, had only one goal—to reunite with her mother.
At 15, Hiba embarked on a 980-kilometer journey through treacherous desert routes, hiding in overcrowded trucks for 18 days, fearing for her life. She miraculously arrived in Jordan, one of the only Syrians to make it through alive.
From Survival to Self-Sufficiency
Fathiya refused to rely on aid forever. She began producing handmade soap, reviving a craft from her Syrian heritage. Seeing her determination, Tzu Chi volunteers ordered soap from her, ensuring her work had purpose and financial stability.
Hiba, inspired by the kindness she had received, excelled in school, earning a pharmacy degree in 2023. She now volunteers in medical relief efforts, using her expertise to heal others—just as her family was healed.
Hope in the Face of War
Fathiya’s dream remains to return to Syria even though she has lost much, she has built a new life in Jordan where her family thrives.
Mohammed, now a father of three, continues physical therapy.
Hiba, now a pharmacist, devotes herself to humanitarian work.
And Fathiya, still battling cancer, finds solace in the love that has carried her through.
Their story is one of survival, sacrifice, and hope—proof that even in the darkest of times, love prevails.
By Yao-Kuang Kao and Su-Hsia Liao
